Passion and Projects

As I was sitting outside of Rutherford reading, a puppy puppy pranced by, as only puppies can prance. It may seem obvious to point out, but I love puppies. The thing about puppies is, not only do I love them because they are adorable and have big, round puppy tummies, but I also love them because they seem perpetually joyful. It is as if they have tapped into the universe and recognized the simple fact that they are alive, and thankful for being so. Puppies do not ask much out of this life, merely wishing to share their joy of being alive with any who would allow them. Puppies love unconditionally and unbiasedly.The puppy prance, as well as their goofy grin and out lulling tongue is just an expression of this.

This particular puppy was a seeing eye dog, very young. I absolutely love the fact that UGA has such an incredible program for seeing eye dog training. I cannot count how many times I have been walking zombie-like to or from class, blind to the world around me, until I happen to see a seeing eye dog trot by. Young and old, these dogs bring a happiness to all those around them (especially the puppies). Watch people sometime. Zoned out and frowning a student walks down the street when suddenly a big grin appears. I bet he or she just spotted a seeing eye dog. If you happen to be lucky enough to be near a dog for sometime, say waiting for a bus, count how many people give that dog a secret, loving smile. 

I remember being on a crowded bus, shuttling off to some class, grumpy and disinterested in life. I was standing, and something stepped on my feet and just felt weird. Looking down, ready to cast and angry glance at somebody rude, what do I discover? It’s a puppy! Life=Good. Apparently I have a “puppy face.” That grin saved only for the most adorable. And according to Maria, though she has no proof, I get a little violent. So I smack her when a puppy is in view? Doesn’t she want to be alerted the most efficient way that a puppy is near??

All in all, these seeing eye dogs around campus remind us all of our lost loves, the dogs we were forced to leave home. Remember when bumper stickers were all the rage on fb? One of my favorites was, “College is cool and all, but I miss my dog”. These dogs on campus remind us, the lucky owners of dogs, that somewhere a puppy is waiting for us to return, ready to forgive us for being gone so long if only we would scratch their heads, ready to shower us with love.